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Student update following lockdown roadmap announcement

Following the Prime Minister's roadmap out of lockdown, we'd like to share what this means for you and your course

23rd February 2021

Following yesterday’s statement from the Prime Minister setting out his roadmap out of lockdown, we would like to highlight the key points relating to universities, and what the plans mean for you and your course.

The Government has decided that:

  • Those students on courses who would be unable to complete their studies if they did not return to take part in practical teaching, access specialist facilities, or complete assessments can return to university from 8 March.
  • For all other students, the Government will review, by the end of the Easter holidays, the options for timing their return.

The Government has recognised the difficulties and disruption this approach may cause for students, but believe it is necessary to continue to limit the numbers returning at this stage to minimise the risk of transmission.

The Universities Minister, Michelle Donelan, has also published a letter to all HE students, which you can read here.

What does this mean for you?

Everyone at Solent is currently working through what this guidance means for you and your learning.

We can confirm that if there is a change to your courses online status your Course Leader will inform you directly with relevant dates:

  • Level 6 students – you will hear from your Course Leader by Friday 26 February
  • Remaining students – you will hear from your Course Leader by Friday 5 March

This update will include all the information you need on what your learning will look like for the rest of this academic year, what that means for University accommodation and facilities, and what will happen if you can’t attend for any reason – including guidance for those students who may be permitted to travel from overseas.

It is important to remember that the Government’s ‘Stay at Home’ lockdown rules still currently apply, and you should not plan to return to campus unless you receive these instructions from your Course Leader.

We will keep you updated, but in the meantime our priority is to keep providing the best possible learning for those students who continue to learn remotely, together with a Covid-secure experience for those students who are currently or will be attending campus.

This includes continuing with our on-site testing programme to provide twice-weekly LFD tests, in line with Government guidance.